Singaporeans advised to defer non-essential travel to Bali as Mt Agung erupts

Singaporeans advised to defer non-essential travel to Bali as Mt Agung erupts

Singaporean visitors to Bali have been advised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) to defer non-essential travel to areas affected by the eruption of Mount Agung yesterday (Nov 21).

The volcano was reported to have erupted and has been spewing black smoke since around 5pm on Tuesday (Nov 21).

Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said on his Twitter account: "Residents are advised to remain calm. Do not panic. Stay away from areas within a 6-5/5 kilometer radius of the volcano."

[embed]https://twitter.com/Sutopo_BNPB/status/932976697615384577[/embed]

In a travel advisory, MFA said Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency has been warning residents and tourists to stay away from an exclusion zone of 7.5 km around the crater on Bali.

It added that ash clouds from volcanic eruptions could severely disrupt air travel and affect outdoor activities.

The Jakarta Post reported on Tuesday evening that operations at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport have not been affected.

MFA advised Singaporeans currently in Bali to monitor developments closely, and to stay in close touch with family and friends.

"You should also be ready to evacuate at short notice," it added.

a1admin@sph.com.sg

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